Here & Now

Arrests Continue at Capitol for Protesters Without a Permit

Frederica Freyberg:

From the nation’s Capitol to our state Capitol, where protesters were arrested for a third day in a row today. A total of nearly 70 protestors, all part of the so-called Solidarity Singers group, were issued citations this week for gathering in a group larger than 20 without a permit. Earlier this month a federal court let stand a state requirement that requires a permit for groups larger than 20. These gatherings at noon Wednesday through Friday this week exceeded that number. Protestors maintain that it’s a constitutional right to gather in any number. The Department of Administration, the agency in charge of the Capitol police, issued this statement. The group is being cited for not complying with the law and court order that requires them to get a permit. The Capitol police have already stated they would approve a permit for the noontime singers if they would apply. This permit is free and the group could continue to say and sing the same things they are today.